Since April is Stress Awareness Month, it’s a great time to remind each other that we humans are – well, human. So here’s my big question to you: Are you putting your well-being before your business? 

Either way, I want you to repeat this mantra: “Me before business.”

Oh, I can hear your responses now. “Groan…But I am my business, Mike!” I get it, but you know what else? You can’t run it long-term if you’re not at your best. 

With all of the chat about burnout culture, it’s important to ensure you’re minding not just your business, but your mental and physical health. So often business owners put off their own needs, attending to business tasks first. (Guilty!) But may I offer you some friendly advice from my own experience? Focus on your well-being first. 

Once upon a time, I was a workaholic, and I don’t take pride in that title. From the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed, which was way later than it should have been, I juggled numerous tasks. I felt accomplished at the end of the day, sure. But I also felt wired, stressed out, anxious, physically exhausted and had brain fog all at the same time. 

Then my wife and I began creating exercise routines in the morning and still today, exercise is the first thing I do. I bet you’ve heard the story I’ve told about how I leave my sneakers on the toilet so that before I do anything in the morning I put those on. I know, for some that’s too much information – but it’s good information! 

If you’re familiar with my content you know that research shows that establishing behavior intercepts are the biggest factor in naturally developing habits. My habit, no, ritual, of a healthy activity that clears my mental blocks, gets my blood pumping and nurtures my well-being all at once. Because I carve out that time, the rest of my day falls into place seamlessly, and my output is far more efficient, clear and effective.

Now, I realize I’m the Profit First guy, and some of this is obvious to you, but it’s my mission to support you and give you all of the resources I can to help you maintain a sustainable business. The first step in that process is prioritizing your health so you can then maintain everything else around you.

1. Get that body moving. You don’t have to run a marathon, even a stretch session will clear up your physical and mental energy.
2. Practice mindfulness and stay present. Meditation or breathing exercises have been instrumental for me in calming my mind and reducing stress levels. And, it helps focus attention on the present moment. When you’re present, it keeps your attention on your reality at the moment and reduces anxiety. My wife and I began transcendental meditation last year and the benefits have been phenomenal. Don’t worry if you’ve never meditated before, are worried about being still, or not thinking about things while meditating. It’s a practice that develops over time. Start with five minutes a day and increase that each week or so. I promise it will ground you in a way that makes the world, and your business easier to navigate.
3. Time Management. Prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals can help manage stress levels by breaking down complex projects into smaller, manageable steps. 
4. Delegation. Of course, right? Shameless Clockwork plug? Not intentionally. When you do everything yourself you invite the opportunity for burnout and stress. Create those systems in your business so you can share your workload with your trusted team members.
5. Seek support. Therapy rocks. So do mastermind groups and your social circles. Talking with someone about your struggles, challenges and celebrations alike make you feel seen, heard and supported.
6. Set boundaries to create work/life balance. Are you checking your phone in bed? Cut it out. Entrepreneurs and small business owners can easily become consumed by work. Balance isn’t eating at your desk, working out at the company gym or taking a quick call during your son’s track meet (again, guilty). Set a time each day for lunch. Set a hard stop time for the end of your work day. Make time for your loved ones and hobbies. 

Most of all, don’t sacrifice yourself for your business. Cultivate a healthy you that adds energy to your business. Love your life.

You’re welcome. 

Wishing you health and wealth always.

Mike